MALAYSIA IS TOP CHOICE FOR LONG-STAY PROGRAMME

Malaysia emerged as the top choice for long-stay programmes among the Japanese in a recent poll on 2006 preferences conducted by the Long Stay Foundation of Japan.

Malaysia obtained 14.9 per cent share of the poll responses, outranking Australia (14 per cent), Thailand (11.2 per cent), New Zealand (10.5 per cent) and Hawaii (9.9 per cent).

The poll results reflected Malaysia as a favourite among male respondents, with all age groups in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s selecting Malaysia as top choice.

In its report of the poll findings, the Foundation noted, "South Asian countries have grown increasingly popular as is the case with Malaysia and other tourist destinations such as Thailand and the Philippines, pointing to the growing demand among consumers."

Their increased popularity can be attributed to the relatively low cost of living, the short flight times and warm weather, referred to as "Cheap, Near, Warm."

The survey findings also indicated a rising demand for longer stay among long-stay participants from Japan. In fact, some participants prefer to stay more than a year in certain destinations. Countries such as Malaysia is one of them due to the friendly long-stay policies implemented under its Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

The programme, set up in 2002, was initiated to attract foreign citizens of all ages to make Malaysia their second home and enjoy a luxurious life in the country. Participants of the programme are given a 10-year social visit pass which is renewable.

Between 2002 and 2006, Malaysia has attracted 8,723 participants under the MM2H programme, of which 434 are Japanese. Up until November 2007, there are some 190 Japanese participants registered under the programme. For further info on the Malaysia My Second Home programme, kindly contact:

The Malaysia My Second Home One-Stop Centre
Ministry of Tourism Malaysia
Level 23, Menara Dato' Onn
Putra World Trade Centre, 45 Jalan Tun Ismail
50695 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel : +603-2693 7111/ 26963 367/ 354 / 361
Faks : +603-26988533
E-mai : mailto:info@mm2h.gov.my
Website: http://www.mm2h.gov.my/

For further info on the Long Stay Foundation of Japan report, kindly contact:

Mohd Shahrir Mohd Ali
Director
Tourism Malaysia Tokyo
5F Chiyoda Building
1-6-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100 0006
JAPAN
Tel: 0081335018691
Fax: 0081335018692
Website:http://www.tourismmalaysia.or.jp

____________________________________________________

Issued by Advertising & Publicity Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 23 November 2007
Tel: +603 2615 8188, Fax: +603 2692 4563
Or visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my